God is Calling You

Then he said to another, “Follow me.” But the man said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead burry their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” And another also said, “Lord, I will follow you, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one having put his hand to plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9: 59-62.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The calling of God demands immediate and unwavering obedience. The priority of the first man in this scripture was to attend the burial of his father. Jesus beckoned him to focus on the living, not the dead (the man’s Father was likely an unbeliever.) In the end, the man decided to attend a funeral, rather than follow Jesus Christ. The second stranger Jesus spoke with yearned to return home to say farewell to his relatives; thereby placing his family ahead of his dedication to God. Jesus then uses an agricultural illustration to make an overall point. When driving an ox and plow, a farmer’s eyes remain focused on the field ahead; looking back can only distract the driver from his necessary work. The world today is full of diversions, obstacles, and enticements. Not everyone is being called to become a missionary, or a priest, or a pastor. But we are all called to be disciples. The more important truth is that distractions are dangerous; because they can sometimes prevent us from accomplishing God’s will.

According to the national highway safety commission, 80% of all car crashes involve driver distraction. These statistics proved true for a man named Stephen in 1983. One sunny morning he hopped in his new Mercedes Benz; with the top down and the wind in his face; he had set out for an important appointment. As he drove up the coast of Southern California, he passed by a certain beach. His attentions unexpectedly turned to a young blonde woman wearing a bikini. As she passed his vehicle, his mind, heart, and eyes, followed along with her. The image of a complete stranger took priority over the road, his destination, and even his new wife Sandy. He suddenly smashed into the back end of a Chevelle that had come to a complete stop in his lane. Although Stephen’s body remained uninjured, his pride, and the front end of his Mercedes weren’t quite as lucky. When driving, the road ahead must take precedence over everything else. To reach our destination, we must abandon trivial distractions.

Jesus Christ has called many; still, a great multitude have refused to respond in the serious and immediate manner required for discipleship. If you have felt called by the Lord, let go of this fading existence and grab hold of the plow. Make God the priority. Preach the gospel to all those you meet; accomplish the work of the Lord and avoid distractions. This life is a passing dream; keep your eyes, mind, and heart, focused on God; and you will certainly reach your destination.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask that You would be our number one priority. May our eyes be continually focused upon You. Take control of our lives and be our Master. Help us to avoid distractions. Give us the wisdom and strength to finish what You have started; until the day that we enter Your eternal Kingdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name; Amen.” God bless all of you.